Thursday, October 1, 2009

Press Release - Election Day as a Public Holiday

source: Republic of Botswana (30/9/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 25 of 2009The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President“Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline”

C4) 25/9/09: PRESS RELEASE - ELECTION DAY AS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY

As members of the public will be aware, 16th October 2009 has been declared a public holiday. The public is informed that the 16th October 2009 is not a Paid Public Holiday. Paid Public Holidays are as provided for in the Employment Act. The declaration of the day as a public holiday was done in recognition of the singular importance of elections in a democratic society. The expectation is that all registered voters should cast their votes on election day and they are strongly urged to do so. In this context, employers are urged to put in place necessary measures to facilitate the exercise of the right to vote by employees. This includes a consideration of whether or not to close business operations. As this opportunity comes once in five years, a demonstration of a sense of civic responsibility is required from all of us. - M.B.R. Palai, ACTING PERMANENT SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT